Full Notification

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at approximately 1:38 P.M., Turlock Police Dispatch received a 911 call advising that a bank robbery had just occurred at the US Bank, located at 427 E. Olive Ave. The caller reported that a male subject entered the bank with a briefcase and told a bank employee there was an explosive device in the briefcase. The subject then demanded money and claimed he had the ability to detonate the device. The subject left the business with an undisclosed amount of money, leaving the briefcase inside the bank. He then fled the area in a white Lexus.

Responding officers learned the suspect fled the scene just prior to their arrival. Due to the potential of an explosive device in the building, the bank and surrounding area was evacuated. The Stanislaus County Sheriff Bomb Squad was requested, and responded to the scene to investigate the device. At approximately 6:00 P.M. it was determined the briefcase did not contain an explosive device. The scene was transferred to Turlock Police Detectives for processing the scene for evidence. No injuries were reported as a result of this event. 

On Thursday, January 2, 2025 at approximately 2:30 P.M., Turlock Police Detectives were on surveillance related to this investigation just outside the city limits of the City of Turlock. At that time, they spotted a white Lexus, similar to the description of the vehicle used by the robbery subject. A traffic stop was made, and further information was discovered that linked the driver to the robbery. Benjamin Charles Malakismail, a 45-year-old male resident of Stanislaus County, was arrested and charged with robbery and making a false report of an explosive device. 

Malakismail acted alone and there are no other subjects wanted at this time. The Turlock Police Department would like to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation, and the citizen witness who provided vital information which allowed Detectives to identify the suspect vehicle used in this crime.

Police Chief Jason Hedden stated, “Crimes like this have no place in our community and will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses, and we will use every available resource to locate, apprehend, and hold accountable those who commit these serious offenses. Our officers are dedicated to protecting this city, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information, call Detective Matthew Ulrich at (209) 668-6570. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at
[email protected].

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or (866) 602-7463 and you may be eligible for a cash reward. You can also leave an anonymous tip online at www.stancrimetips.org or by texting “StanCS” to 738447. The P3 app is also available for download for Apple and Android devices.

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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Paul Inderbitzen.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Paul Inderbitzen
Turlock Police Department
Office phone – (209) 668-6551
Email – [email protected]